Transfer mechanism for brush fibers or the like



Aug- 7, 1962 A. F. ANDERSON 3,0485442 TRANSFER MECHANISM FOR BRUSH FIBERs oR TRE LIRE Filed March 6, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ALFRED E ANDERSON BY Mc ATTORNEYS Allg' 7, 1962 A. F. ANDERSON 3,048,442

TRANSFER MECHANISM FOR BRUSH FIBERS OR THE LIKE Filed March 6, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 2

3,048,442 TRANSFER MECHANISM FR BRUSH FIBERS R THE LiKE Alfred F. Anderson, East Hartford, Conn., assigner to The Fuller Brush Company, East Hartford, Conn., a

corporation of Connecticut Filed Mar. 6, 1961, Ser. No. 93,545 18 Claims. (Ci. 30G- 7) This invention relates generally to brush making machinery and, more particularly, to a mechanism for transferring selected quantities of brush bers or the like from a magazine or hopper to a receiving device. Due to characteristics such as their flexibility and small size, brush bers are somewhat difficult to handle mechanically in a rapid and efficient manner. The mechanical removal of selected quantities of fibers from a magazine or hopper is particularly troublesome and this is well illustrated in brush making machines of the type which produce brushes or brush elements comprising a relatively thin elongated layer of transverse bers engaged and held by a retainer which extends lengthwise of the layer.

Brush making machines of the type referred to are exemplified by those shown in the patent to Henry Cave, 1,871,775, and the Jones and Le Febvre Patent 2,310,897. In such machines, transversely arranged brush fibers are taken from a hopper in selected quantities and laid out in a thin longitudinally extending layer on a receiving device such as a longitudinally movable conveyor. Subsequent operations may include folding of the bers, insertion of a core element Within the fold, and attachment of a backing member or retainer followed by a cutting operation. Generally, the ber transfer operation is the slowest of all of the operations carried out by the machine and thus limits the maximum obtainable operating speed of the machine. Further, inefficient as Well as slow transfer operations are often encountered with ber transfer mechanisms heretofore known.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a transfer mechanism of the type mentioned and which can remove selected quantities of brush bers or the like from a magazine or hopper in a more rapid and efficient manner than has heretofore been possible.

A more specic object of the invention lies in the provision of a transfer mechanism of the type mentioned in combination with a hopper and a receiving device comprising a longitudinally movable conveyor, the said transfer mechanism being particularly adapted to rapidly and efficiently remove selected quantities of brush bers or the like from the hopper and to deposit such fibers transversely in a thin longitudinally extending l-ayer on the conveyor.

The drawings show a preferred embodiment of the invention `and such embodiment will be described, but it will be understood that various changes may be made from the construction disclosed, and that the drawings and description are not to be construed as defining or limiting the scope of the invention, the claims forming a part of this specification being relied upon for that purpose.

Of the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a hopper, a ber transfer mechanism embodying the present invention, and a ber receiving device comprising a longitudinally movable conveyor.

FIG. 2 is a transverse vertical section taken generally as indicated by the line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing a portion of the ber transfer mechanism comprising an uppeiportion of a ber transfer Wheel and an associated knife edge.

3,048,442 Patented Aug. 7, 1962 General Organization of Parts As stated, the ber transfer mechanism of the present; invention is adapted to removeI brush bers or the like from a magazine or hopper for delivery to a receiving device. A magazine or hopper, indicated. generally at 10, in the drawings, is of the open-bottom type and containsV a mass of transversely disposed horizontal brush bers indicated generally at 12. A ber transfer mechanism embodying the present invention and indicated generally at 14 is adapted to remove bers from the bottom of the mass of bers 12. A wide variety of bers suitable for brush manufacture can be readily handled by the transfer mechanism, and it is also contemplated that the mechanism will efciently handle other small articles having characteristics similar to those of brush bers.

Fibers removed from the bottom of the mass of bers 12 by the transfer mechanism 14 are delivered to a ber receiving device indicated generally at 16'. The ber receiving device 16 may take a wide variety of forms but, in the form shown, said device comprises a longitudinally movable conveyor disposed substantially below the hopper 1G with the ber transfer mechanism 14 located vertically between the hopper and the conveyor.

Generally speaking, the ber .transfer mechanism 14 comprises a plurality of similar rotatable ber transfer wheels or wheel units indicated generally at 18, 18. The wheels or wheel units 18, 18 have ber receiving notches along their pheripheries and are movable bodily in succession from a loading zone adjacent the bottom of the mass of bers 12 in the hopper 1li to an unloading zone adjacent the ber receiving device or conveyor 16. As shown, the wheels or wheel units 18, 13 are rotatable about individual transverse axes Ztl, 20 and they are revolnble about a common transverse axis Z2, their said bodily movements thus occurring in a circular path.

The transfer mechanism 14 also includes means operable at the loading zone for removing bers from the bottom of the mass of bers 12 and for loading such bers into the peripheral notches of a transfer wheel at the loading zone. As will be seen, a means for rotating each transfer wheel at the loading Zone is also provided and the wheel notches are loaded with bers as the wheels are simultaneously moved bodily and rotated :about their axes.

Transfer wheels with their peripheral notches loaded with bers `from the mass of bers 12 are moved bodily in a circular path from the loading zone to the unloading zone as stated. During such movement lof the wheels, bers must of course be retained in the notches of the transfer wheels and means for so retaining the bers is therefore provided. In preferred form, said means comprises a substantially circular rotatable disc indicated generally at 24 and a stationary member indicated generally at 26. The construction of the disc 24 andthe stationary member 26 and the manner in which said elements serve to retain bers in the notches of the transfer wheels 18 will be set forth fully hereinafter.

On lreaching the unloading zone, each transfer wheel 18 deposits bers from its peripheral notches on the ber receiving device or longitudinally movable conveyor 16. The manner in which bers are deposited on the conveyor -or other receiving device by the transfer Wheels may vary widely, but, as shown, bers are deposited transversely in a thin longitudinally extending continuous layer. This particular mode of ber discharge will be explained fully hereinafter.

Hopper 1n the preferred form shown, the hopper 10 is open at the front and at the top as well as the bottom. Transversely extending vertical side walls 28 and 30 thereof may be connected with a vertical longitudinally extending rear wall 32 by conventional means such as welding. The rear wall 32 may be supported by a horizontal frame member 34, as best shown in FIG. 2, the member 34 being secured in turn to a vertical frame member 36. The vertical frame member 36 may form a part of a brush making machine of the type mentioned above.

The mass of brush bers 12 in the hopper 10 includes a plurality :of individual fibers which extend transversely and substantially horizontally as stated. Said fibers are arranged in parallel relationship with each other and their ends lie substantially in common vertical planes. As stated, the mass of fibers 12 is held in the hopper 10 by a means operable to support fibers which are not acted upon by fthe aforementioned fiber loading means. As shown, said vertical support means comprises a substantially cylindrical peripheral surface 38 of the aforesaid disc 24 which, as is best shown in FIG. 2, is located approximately at the .transverse center of the hopper 10. The disc surface 38 thus engages the fibers at the bottom of the mass 12 approximately at their transverse midpoints. Preferably, and as lbest shown in lFIG. l, the lower end surfaces 40 and 42 of the hopper side walls 28 and 30 are formed arcuately so as to engage, or reside in closely spaced relationship with, the peripheral surface 38 of the disc 24. Thus, fibers in the mass of fibers 12 are prevented from falling from the hopper between the side walls 28 and 30 and the said disc surface.

It is also preferred that the mass of fibers 12 be maintained under light compression in the hopper 10. Means for compressing the fibers may take a variety of forms and may comprise merely a weight, such as a Weight 44, placed on top of the mass of fibers. The supply of fibers in the hopper can of course be readily replenished merely by lifting the weight 44 and inserting additional fibers therebeneath.

Fiber Receiving Device The longitudinally movable conveyor 16 is a type of liber receiving device commonly found in blush making machines of the Itype previously mentioned. The said conveyor comprises a pair of transversely spaced longitudinally extending parallel sprocket chains 46, 46. The chains 46, 46 are engaged with similar transversely spaced sporcket wheels 48., 48 on a shaft 50 and with additional sprocket Wheels not shown. The shaft 50 is rotated by a suitable drive means not shown to move the upper runs of the chains 46, 46 continuously toward the right in FIG. l, it being understood that when reference is made hereinafter to the direction of conveyor movement reference is had to the said upper runs.

In FIG. 2 it will be observed that Ithe upper runs of the sprocket 'chains 46, `46 are' spaced below the aforementioned disc 24 and below the lowermost position reached by the transfer Wheels 18, 18. It will also be observed that the said upper runs are equally spaced transversely on opposite sides of the plane of the disc 24 and the wheels 18, 18 so as to support iibers deposited thereon at opposite end portions. As mentioned, fibers are deposited on the conveyor 16 transversely and in longitudinally extending layers by the transfer wheels 18, 18. It will be seen hereinafter that a continuous layer, longitudinally spaced layers, overlapping layers and other variations can be provided for with the transfer mechanism of the invention.

There is preferably also associated with the conveyor 16 a vacuum means comprising an inlet or mouth element 54 and a `connect-ing conduit 56. The inlet or mouth element 54 is shown disposed beneath the upper runs `of the sprocket chains 46, 46 and adjacent the aforementioned unloading zone. The connecting conduit 56 may be attached to a conventional vacuum creating device not shown. Thus, a downwardly flowing stream of air can be generated at the unloading zone 'to urge brush fibers downwardly onto the chains 46, 46 from the notches of a transfer wheel 18 at said zone. Moreover, brush iibers disposed on the upper runs of the chains 46, 46 can be held in position by the air stream as they are conveyed rightwardly by the chains.

Fiber Transfer M echansm The number of transfer wheels 18, 18 and the construction and arrangement thereof may vary widely. As shown, six transfer wheels 18, 18 are provided and the wheels are equally spaced circumaxially about yand radially from the common axis 22 about which they revolve. Each transfer wheel or wheel unit 18 has an associated transverse support and drive shaft 58 which is rotatable about the individual axis 2t) of the wheel. As best shown in FlG. 2, the wheels 18, 18 are mounted respectively on front end portions of their support and drive shafts 58, 58 adjacent fixed collars y60, 60. Each wheel or ywheel unit comprises a wheel member 62 held 'between front and rear washers 64 and 66. Disposed forwardly of each front washer 64 are two annular spacer elements 68 and 76 and a clamping nut 72. The nuts 72, 72 are turned onto threaded `front end portions of the shafts 58, 58 and into engagement with the spacer members 70, 70 to secure the parts of the wheel or wheel units 18, 18 to their respective shafts for rotation therewith.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, each wheel element 62 has an arcuately extending series of fiber receiving notches along at least part of a peripheral portion thereof Hand, as shown, each wheel member 62 has a series of notches 74, 74 extending throughout the periphery thereof. As best shown in FlG. 3, the notches 74, 74 are preferably generally V-shaped and they define V-shaped teeth lor spikes 76, 76, but the shape of the notches and teeth may vary substantially.

FIG. 3 also best illustrates the relationship of the notches 74, 74 to the yfront and rear washers 64 and 66. lt will be noted that base portions of the notches 74, 74 are overlapped by peripheral portions of the said front and rear washers. Preferably, several interchangeable pairs of front and rear washers 64 `and `66 are provided for each wheel or wheel unit 18. The washers of each pair are `of equal diameter, but the pairs of washers vary slightly in diameter. Thus, a selected pair of front and rear washers 64 and 66 may be utilized to provide for a given amount or degree of overlap of the base portions of the notches 74, 74. Conversely, the depth of the notches 74, 74 and the fiber holding capacity thereof can be readily varied to vary the quantity `of fibers removed from the mass of fibers 12 by each transfer lwheel 18.

The aforementioned disc 24 may vary in construction but, as shown, the said disc is formed of a single piece of sheet metal and has a circular central opening 78 which receives a front end portion of a horizontal drive shaft 8i). The shaft 80 is rotatable about the aforementioned transversely and horizontally extending common axis 22. Adjacent the central opening 78 the disc 24 is lixedly connected to an annular flange 82 by four circumaxially spaced screws 84, 84. The annular flange 82 is formed integrally at a front end portion of la sleeve 86 which is disposed around the shaft 88 and which is iixedly connected thereto by means of a cross pin 88. As shown, the disc 24 is rotated in a clockwise direction by the shaft and the sleeve 86 and the transfer wheels 18, 18 are also revolved about the axis 22 ina clockwise direction, the relationship between the disc and the axes 28, 28 of the transfer Wheels being xed.

One function of the disc 24 is to retain fibers in the notches 74, 74 of the wheel members 62, 62 of transfer wheels 18, 18. Openings 90, 90 are provided in the disc 24 and the walls thereof serve to retain fibers in the notches 74, 74 of the several wheel members. When six transfer wheels 18, 18 are provided, six substantially circular openings 98, 90 are provided in the disc 24 and the openings are equally circumaxially spaced about and equally radially spaced from the common axis 22 so as to receive and approximately tit the transfer wheels 1S, 13 As the transfer wheels 18, 18 rotate about their axes 20, Ztl Within the openings 90, 9i?, a slight clearance is necessary between the teeth 'i'` 76 of the wheels and the walls of the openings. This clearance is such that free rotation is provided for without the risk of escape of the fibers from their notches.

It `Will be observed that each of the openings 9i?, 95B is formed adjacent the aforementioned .peripheral surface 3S of the disc 24'- and that each of said openings has a mouth 92 which opens radially outwardly through said surface and which is relatively narrow in comparison with the diameter of the associated opening. The mouths 92, 92 permit fibers to enter the openings 9i?, 91E for loading into the notches 74.-, 74 of the transfer wheels 18, 1h. Additionally, fibers in the notches 74.-, 74 of the transfer wheels are discharged or unloaded from the notches 74, 74 through the mouths 92, 92 and deposited on the conveyor 16. As best shown in FfG. 3, the teeth 76, 76 on the transfer Wheels 13, 18 project into the mouths 92, 92 of the openings 941, 9th so as to be approximately aligned with the peripheral surface 3S of the disc 24. Stated differently, the said peripheral Surface 33 is spaced radially from the common axis 22 a distance substantially equal to the radial distance between said axis and the outermost peripheral portions, or teeth surfaces, of the transfer wheels.

The aforementioned fiber loading means operable to remove fibers from the bottom of the mass of fibers 12 and to deposit the same in the notches of the transfer wheels preferably comprises at least one slicing lmife `or knife edge. As shown, six knives or knife edges 94, 94 are provided and they are located respectively adjacent the rear or trailing edges of the mouths 92, 92. Specifically, the knives or knife edges 94, 94 are formed integrally on the disc 24 adjacent the trailing edges of the mouths 92, 92. As the knives or `knife edges pass in succession generally longitudinally along the lbottom of the mass of fibers 12, they `slice layers of fibers from the bottom of said mass and deposit teh fibers in the notches 74, 74 of their corresponding transfer Wheels 18, 16, the said transfer wheels being rotated in a counterclockwise direction about their axes Ztl, 2t) during the `loading operation as will be explained.

The previously mentioned retaining plate 26 serves to cover the mouths Y92, 92 of the disc openings 91D, 9i? whereby lto hold fibers in the notches 711-, 74 of the transfer Wheels after the notches have been loaded by slieing operation of the knife edges 94, 9d. As shown, the plate 26 has an arcuate edge surface 96 which extends from -a point adjacent the right-hand side wall 3h of the hopper 10 around the peripheral surface 38 of the disc 24 to a point 97 spaced rightwardly and upwardly from the lowermost portion of said disc. The arcuate edge surface 96 may engage the peripheral surface 38 of the disc `241 or said surface may be in closely spaced relationship with the disc surface so as to close the mouths 92, 92 of the openings 90, @il to prevent escape of the fibers therefrom. Support of the retaining plate 26 in a xed position may be provided for by attachment to a forwardly projecting portion of the aforementioned frame member 34 by suitable screws 98, 98.

Support and Drive Means for Fiber Transfer Mechanism and sleeve 86. Said element rotatably receives a rear end portion of the shaft 8@ and is disposed Within a diametrically enlarged rear end portion `162 of the sleeve 86. A rear portion of the element extends through an opening 106i in the aforementioned rear frame member 36 and is secured to said member by means of an annular flange 196, a pin 16S, a retaining ring 11i), and a plurality of screws 112, 112, two shown. A sleeve bushing 114 around a `front end portion of the element rotatably supports the enlarged rear portion 102 of the sleeve 86 and a ring bushing 116 is disposed between the front end surface of the element 16B@ and a shoulder 118 on the sleeve 86.

it wilt be apparent that the shaft S9 may be rotated Within the annular element 100 to turn the sleeve 36 and the disc 24. For this purpose, a sprocket Wheel 12@ is iixedly mounted on a rear end portion of the shaft gil and is operatively connected with a sprocket wheel 122 by means of a suitable sprocket chain 124. The sprocket Wheel 122 is mounted on the aforementioned drive shaft 5@ for rotation with said shaft and with the aforementioned sprocket Wheels 43, 48 of the conveyor 16. While other timed relationships may be provided for, the sprocket and chain connections shown provide for a surface speed of the disc 24, reference being had to the peripheral surface 3S, which is substantially equal to the speed of the upper runs of the sprocket chains 46, 46 of the conveyor 16. For convenience, said two speeds may hereinafter be referred to respectively as N1 and N2 as indicated in FIG. 1.

.ln addition to the function mentioned above, the shaft Sil also indirectly revolves the transfer wheels 18, 18 about their common axis 22. It will be observed that the support and drive shafts 58, 56 for the transfer wheels 1S, 18 each have a supporting sleeve 126 associated therewith. The supporting sleeves 126, 126 are held respectively at rear end portions by six bosses (four shown in FIG. 2) which are formed integrally on a cylindrical front plate `1311 of a rotating drive assembly indicated generally at 132 for the transfer wheels 18, 13. The front plate of the drive assembly 1352 has a central opening 134 which receives a portion of the sleeve 86 and a portion of said plate adjacent said opening abuts a shoulder 136 on the enlarged portion 102 of said sleeve to secure the plate against rearward movement. A cylindrical rear plate 138 of the drive assembly 132 has a circular central opening 140 which receives a rear portion of the enlargement 1112 on the sleeve 36 and a portion of said plate adjacent the opening 1d@ abuts a rearwardly facing shoulder 142 on said enlargement to hold the plate against forward movement. Additionally, said rear plate 138 is fixedly `secured to the sleeve enlargement 1112 as by suitable welding at 1441 so as to be rotatable therewith. Three equally circurnaxially spaced connecting blocks 148, .MS (FIG. l) are secured to the rear plate 138 as by suitable welding at 146 at rear end portions of the blocks and front end portions thereof are fixedly secured to the front plate 13d as by means of suitable screws 150, best shown in FIG. l.

Now it will Ibe apparent that the front and rear plates 13@ and 13S of the rotatable drive assembly 132 will be rotated With the shaft 8d and the sleeve 86 whereby to revolve the transfer wheels 1S, 1S, their drive shafts 58, 58, and the supporting sleeves 126, 126 about the axis 22. The rotating drive asembly 132 comprises a separate drive means for each of the transfer Wheels 18, 18 and, as said several drive means are identical, only one need be described in detail. 'For a description of one drive means, attention is directed to the lowermost transfer Wheel 1S wherein parts are broken away in FIG. 2 to show :the drive means therefor to advantage.

The support and drive shaft 5S of the lowerrnost transfer Wheel 18 is shown in FIG. 2 as being journaled in front and rear sleeve bearings 152 and 154 held within the supporting sleeve 126. Said supporting sleeve is secured axially by means of a flange 156 at a rear end portion engaging the front plate 130 and a nut 15S threaded onto the sleeve and engaging the boss 128. The drive shaft 53 is secured against rearward axial movement by engagement of its integral collar 6@ with `a spacer ring 16d engaging the front end surface of the sleeve 126. The

Shaft 58 is held against forward axial movement at a rear end portion lby means of a retaining ring V162 secured thereto and engaging a rear driving clutch element l164. The clutch element 164 is in turn secured against forward axial movement by engagement with a bushing 166 in a circular opening 168 in the rear plate 138 of the rotatable drive assembly 132.

The rear driving clutch element 164 is mounted for rotation about the shaft SS on a sleeve bearing 17d on the shaft and comprises a spur gear 172 at a rear end portion and an integrally formed forwardly facing toothed clutch surface 174. The spur gear 1'72 meshes with and is driven by a gear `176 which is supported for rotation about a sleeve bearing 17S mounted on the aforementioned annular support and bearing element 11MB; 'l` he gear 176 is connected with a sprocket 180 by means of a suitable screw 182 and by a retaining pin 184. The sprocket 1180 is also mounted for rotation on the sleeve bearing 17d and is engaged with a sprocket chain 186 driven by a sprocket 18S secured to the aforementioned drive shaft 541.

A central driven clutch element 194 mounted on the shaft S8 in front of the rear driving clutch element 164 has front and rear toothed clutch faces 196 and 19S, the latter being adapted for engagement with the clutch face 174 on the rear clutch element 164. A radially extending pin 20? has opposite end portions thereof entered in a bore 202 in the clutch element 194 and extends through axially elongated slots '204 and 206 in the shaft 5S. The slots 234- and 206 communicate with an axial bore 2118 in a rear end portion of the shaft 58 and slidably received in said bore is a shift rod 210. The rod 210 projects rearwardly from the bore 268 and is engaged at its front end portion by a biasing spring 212. At a central portion the shift rod 210 has ya radially extending bore therein which receives a central portion of the radial pin 201B. Thus, the shift rod 210 can be moved axially in the bore 2&3 to move the central clutch element 194- axially along the shaft 5S. As will be explained hereinbelow, said rod is so moved to move the clutch element 194 between first and second or front and rear positions along the shaft 58. In the rear position of the clutch element 194, its toothed face 198 engages the toothed face 174 on the rear clutch element 164 and the element 164 rotatably drives the said central element whereby to rotate the shaft S8 at a predetermined speed in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. l.

In the first or front position of the central clutch element 194, the front toothed surface 196 thereof engages a toothed surface 216 on a front driving clutch element 21d. The front driving clutch element 218 also includes an integrally formed spur gear 2211` and said element is mounted for rotation about a sleeve bearing 222 on the shaft 58. Recalling that the shaft 515 and its associated parts are revolved `bodily about the axis 22, it will be apparent that rotation of the spur gear 220 about the sleeve bearing 222 and the shaft 5S can be conveniently effected by engagement of the said gear with a stationary ring gear 224. As shown, the ring gear 224 is secured to the front end portion of a cylindrical housing 226 by means of suitable screws 228, 223, the said cylindrical housing member being in turn supported by connection with the aforementioned upright frame member 36 by screws 230, 230. Preferably and as shown, the ring gear 224 supports an annular seal or gasket 232 connected thereto by means of screws 234, 234 and which engages the peripheral surface of the aforementioned front plate 134 of the rotatable drive mechanism 132.

Efficient engagement of the front driving clutch element 21S with the central clutch element 194- is provided for by means of a small biasing spring 236. The spring 236 is disposed in a bore 238 in the sleeve 126 about the shaft 58 and engages a ring 240 adjacent the front face of the front clutching element 218 to urge the said element rearwardly along the shaft 58 and Sleeve bearing 222. A stop member 2612 engages the rearwardly facing surface of the gear 229 to limit the rearward movement of the clutch element 218. 'It is to be observed also that the stop element 242 engages the spur gear 2211 of each of the other front clutch elements 218 to serve a similar purpose. Said stop element is generally annular in form and is held in position by means of six cylindrical lugs 244, 244 which are attached to the front plate 1311 and spaced circumaxially as best illustrated in FlG. l. It will be apparent that the clutch element 21S can move axially forwardly a slight distance against the urging of the biasing spring 236 to permit proper and efficient engagement of the toothed faces 216 and 19d. On completion of the clutch engaging operation, the clutch element 218 can move axially rearwardly to the position shown wherein it drives the element 194 `at a predetermined speed in `a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 1.

Axial movements of the several shift rods 210, 210 effecting movement of the central clutch elements 194, 194 between their `front and rear positions are accomplished as the shift rods, the clutch elements, the transfer wheels and other associated parts are revolved about the common axis 22. More specifically, the said shift rods are moved axially forwardly to shift the central clutch elements 194, 194 to their front positions during an upper portion of the path of revolution of the said parts. During a lower portion of the path of revolution of the parts, the shift rods assume the rearward position shown at the urging of the several springs 212, 212 and the several clutch elements 194, 194 assume their rear positions wherein they are driven by the rear driving clutch elements 164, 164. As mentioned, the direction of rotation of the clutch elements 194, 194 is counterclockwise, as viewed in FIG. 1, when said elements are in either their front or rear positions. The speed of rotation of said elements and their associated transfer wheels 18, 18, however, is substantially different in the said upper and lower portions of the path of revolution.

As shown, -a means for shifting the rods 210, 210 comprises a partially circular and generally horseshoeshaped cam 246 disposed within the cylindrical housing 226 in an inverted attitude. The cam 246 is preferably supported by means of three triangularly spaced studs 248, one shown. Each stud 24S extends loosely through a suitable `aperture 25th in the upright frame member Se and carries a nut 252 at a rear end portion which prevents forward axial movement thereof. A spring 254 disposed between the frame member 36 and the cam 246 and surrounding the stud 248 urges the cam member forwardly.

A front face 256 of the cam member 246 is adapted to be engaged by the sev-eral shift rods 210; 210 as the shift rods and their associated parts are revolved about the axis 22. When the rods engage said cam face, they are urged forwardly whereby to urge their associated central clutch elements 19d, 194 forwardly and effect rotation of their associated transfer wheels 1S, 18 at one of the aforesaid predetermined speeds. When the shift rods are disengaged from the cam face 256 as they pass to lower portions of their path of revolution, they are urged rearwardly by their ,associated biasing springs 212, 212 and their associated clutch elements 194, 194 move to their rear positions and effect rotation of the transfer Wheels at the other of said predetermined speeds. To effect gradual forward and rearward movements of the shift rods 2141, 21d, upwardly and forwardly inclined end portions 25S, 252 of the cam face 256 are preferably provided, the location of said portions 258, 25S being best illustrated in FIG. l.

fi Operation Dimensions of parts, gear and sprocket wheel ratios, and other variable factors have been selected in the embodiment of the invention shown to provide for operation of the fiber transfer mechanism resulting in the provision of a continuous layer of fibers of uniform thickness on the sprocket chains d6, `i6 of the conveyor i6. Accordingly, this mode of operation will be described, but it will be understood that various other modes of operation of the mechanism can be readily provided for as required by the characteristics of other fiber re ceiving devices or conveyors and the characteristics of various brush making machines or the like.

As mentioned above, the path of revolution of the transfer wheels i8, Il@ includes an upper portion which constitutes a loading zone and a lower portion which constitutes an unloading zone. It will be apparent that the loading Zone comprises that portion of the path of revolution wherein the notches of the transfer wheels 18, ld are loaded with fibers from the bottom of the mass of fibers l2 by operation of the associated slicing knives or knife edges 9d, 9d. Similarly, the unloading zone comprises that portion of the path of revolution of the transfer wheels wherein fibers are discharged from the wheel notches onto the conveyor lo. The knives or knife edges 94, 94 are operative to load bers into the notches of associated transfer wheels substantially throughout the arcuate distance L measured along the peripheral surface 3S of the disc 2d and generally longitudinally between the inner surfaces of the side walls 4t) and 42 of the hopper il). Moreover, the distance L represents the initial length of the layer of fibers sliced from the bottom of the mass of fibers l2 and deposited in the notches of a transfer wheel by each knife or knife edge 94. The layer length L, as will be explained presently, is maintained substantially constant while the bers are carried on the fiber `wheels and even after the fibers have been deposited on the conveyor le.

ln the form shown, the transfer wheels 1S, i8` have circumferences substantially equal to the distance L and the wheels are rotated in a counterclockwise direction as stated. During passage through the loading zone, the speed of rotation of said Wheels is such that a substantially pure rolling movement of the wheels along the bottom `of the mass of fibers l2 is provided for. Stated differently, the aforementioned driving connection between the front and central clutch elements 2id, 2l@ and i941, 194 provides for rotation of the transfer wheels at a predetermined speed which effects a surface or peripheral wheel speed N3 which is substantially equal to the aforesaid peripheral or surface speed N1 of the disc 2d. Thus, each transfer wheel completes approximately one revolution in passage through the loading Zone L and substantially all of its notches 74, 7dare filled, the length of the layer of fibers deposited in the notches being substantially equal to the distance L. Said layer length obviously remains unchanged while the fibers are carried by the wheel from the loading zone to the unloading zone at a lower portion of the path of revolution of the wheel.

It will be apparent that unloading of fibers from the notches of a transfer wheel i8 will commence when the wheel, or more specifically the leading edge of the mouth 92 of the wheel opening 9d, reaches the lower end 97 of the aforesaid arcuate edge surface 96 of the stationary retaining plate 26. Fibers will be urged downwardly from the notches of the transfer wheel through the mouth 92 onto the upper runs of the sprocket chains 46, de by gravity and by the aforementioned downwardly flowing air stream generated by the vacuum elements 54 and 56. Fiber discharge will continue until all of the notches of the transfer wheel are emptied. In FIG. l the arcuate distance U measured along the peripheral surface 33 of the disc 24 indicates the distance through it@ which fiber discharge or unloading operation occurs. The dimension or distance U is equal to approximately onehalf the dimension or distance L.

To provide for discharge of all of the fibers from the notches of each transfer wheel in the distance U, each of said transfer wheels is rotated at the unloading zone so as to have a substantially pure rolling movement with respect to the conveyor f6 in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the conveyor. It will be recalled that the upper runs of the sprocket chains 46, 46 move rightwardly at .a speed N2 which is substantially equal to the peripheral or surface speed N1 of the disc 2d. The peripheral surface of the disc 24 moves generally leftwardly adjacent the said upper runs of the sprocket chains 46, i6 and the transfer wheels 18, 18 are rotated in a counterclockwise direction as mentioned previously. To provide for the desired rolling movement of the transfer wheels, the predetermined speed at which the wheels 1S, i8 are rotated during passage through the unloading zone by the driving connection between the central and rear clutch elements E94, 194.- and 16d, 164 is such that the wheels have a peripheral or surface speed N4 approximately twice the disc surface speed N1 and the conveyor speed N2. Thus, it will be seen that each transfer wheel i3 will complete approximately one revolution in the distance U so as to discharge .all of the fibers in its notches.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the length of a layer of fibers deposited on the upper runs of the chains ed, 46 will be substantially equal to the length of the layer as initially sliced from the bottom of the mass of frbers i2 in the hopper ifi. While each transfer wheel moves generally leftwardly through the distance U at the unloading zone, the said upper runs of the conveyor chains move rigI itwardly through approximately' an equal distance. Since the distance U is approximately equal to one-half the distance L, the final length of the layer of fibers deposited on the chains will be substantially equal to the distance L. It is to be observed also that the distiibution of the individual fibers in each layer of fibers deposited on the conveyor is substantially the same as the original distribution of fibers in the layer as it is sliced from the bottom of the mass of fibers l12. Thus, a layer of substantially uniform thickness and of known and equal length is deposited on the conveyor chains iby each transfer wheel.

In order that a continuous layer of fibers may be deposited on the upper runs of the conveyor chains 46, d6, it is of course necessary that adjacent ends of succeeding layers of fibers be disposed accurately in abutting relationship. Provision is made for a continuous layer of fibers on the upper runs of the conveyor chains in the spacing of the transfer wheels i8, f3. The distance D between the center lines of adjacent transfer wheels measured along the arcuate peripheral surface 33 is substantially equal to the aforementioned distance L. Considering the lowermost transfer wheel 18 in FIG. 1, it will he observed that the trailing end of the layer of fibers discharged from said Wheel Will initially reside on the upper runs of the sprocket chains 46, in at a point substantially vertically below the left-hand lirnit of the dimension U. As this trailing end of the layer is deposited on the conveyor chains, the succeeding transfer wheel 13 (shown at approximately four oclock) will arrive at a position wherein the leading edge of its associated mouth 92 is spaced from the right-hand limit of the distance U a distance approximately equal to the distance U. Thereafter, as the trailing edge of the layer of fibers on the sprocket chains is transported toward the right to a position vertically below the right-hand limit of the dimension U, the leading edge of the mouth 92 of the said succeeding transfer' wheel i8 will have arrived at said righthand limit and the discharge of fibers from the notches of the transfer wheel will have commenced so that the leading end of the succeeding layer of fibers will abut the asserita il aforesaid trailing end of the layer of fibers on the conveyor.

The number of fibers in each layer of bers deposited on the upper runs of the sprocket chains d6, 46 may of course vary slightly. Uniformity among the layers of fibers Will, however, be sufficient for the intended purpose and it can fairly be said that each layer of fibers Will contain a known and selected quantity of fibers. In order to vary the number or quantity of fibers in each layer and to thereby vary the thickness of a continuous layer of fibers on the conveyor, it is only necessary to select appropriate front and rear Washers 64 and 66 for each transfer Wheel of Wheel unit 18. As previously mentioned, interchangeable pairs of Washers of various sizes are provided to enable the selection of a desired notch depth and the quantity of fibers removed from the bottom of the mass of fibers 12 by each knife or knife edge is dependent upon the depth of the notches in the corresponding transfer wheel.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that a fiber transfer mechanism capable of rapid and efficient operation has been provided. By virtue of the provision of a plurality of fiber transfer IWheels in the manner shown, fibers can be removed from the bottom of a mass of fibers in an open hopper in a continuous operation at an optimum rate of removal. The provision of different speeds of rotation for loading and unloading operations makes it possible for both of these operations to be carried out with optimum efficiency. Moreover, the particular manner in which fibers are removed from the hopper in a cooperative slicing operation of the knife edges with the transfer Wheel teeth entering the mass of fibers in a rolling movement in the nature of backing elements is highly effective and inefficient fiber removal is seldom if ever encountered. Finally, the transfer mechanism is characterized by a high degree of versatility in that mere adjustment of the timing of various of its elements can obviously provide for a wide variety of layer forms on a continuous conveyor.

The invention claimed is:

1. In a brush making machine, the combination of an open-bottom hopper adapted to receive a mass of transversely disposed brush fibers, a fiber receiving device, a plurality of similar fiber transfer Wheels each rotatable about a transverse axis and each having an arcuately extending series of fiber receiving notches along a peripheral portion thereof, means for bodily moving said Wheels in succession from a loading zone adjacent the bottom of a mass of fibers in said hopper to an unloading zone adjacent said receiving device, means for rotating each transfer Wheel at said loading zone, means operable at said loading Zone to load the notches of each transfer Wheel with fibers from the bottom of said mass of fibers, vertical support means for holding fibers in said hopper which are not acted upon by said loading means, and means operable to retain fibers in the notches of said transfer Wheels during movement of the Wheels from said loading zone to said unloading zone.

2. In a brush making machine, the combination of an open-bottom hopper adapted to receive a mass of transversely disposed brush fibers, a fiber receiving device, a plurality of similar fiber transfer Wheels each rotatable about a transverse axis and each having an arcuately extending series of fiber receiving notches along a peripheral portion thereof, means for bodily moving said Wheels in succession from a loading Zone adjacent the bottom of a mass of fibers in said hopper to an unloading Zone adjacent said receiving device, said means `serving also to bodily move each transfer Wheel in a generally longitudinal direction along the bottom of `the ymass of fibers in said hopper at said loading zone, means for rotating each transfer wheel about its axis as it is moved bodily at said loading Zone, means operable as each transfer wheel is moved bodily along the bottom of the mass of fibers in said hopper to load fibers from the bottom of said mass l2 of fibers into the notches of the transfer wheel, vertical support means for holding fibers in said hopper which are not acted upon by said loading means, and means operable to retain fibers in the notches of each transfer wheel during movement of the same from said loading zone to said unloading zone.

3. in a brush making machine, the combination of an open-bottom hopper adapted to receive a mass of transversely disposed brush fibers, a fiber receiving device, a plurality of similar fiber transfer Wheels each rotatable about a transverse axis and each having an arcuately extending series of fiber receiving notches along a peripheral portion thereof, means for bodily moving said Wheels in succession from a loading zone adjacent the bottom of a mass of fibers in said hopper to an unloading Zone adjacent said receiving device, said means serving also to bodily move each transfer Wheel in a generally longitudinal direction along the bottom of the mass of fibers in said hopper at said loading zone, means for rotating each transfer Wheel about its axis as it is moved bodily at said loading Zone, the direction of rotation of each transfer wheel being such that an upper peripheral portion thereof retreats with respect to ,the direction of bodily movement of the Wheel, fiber loading means comprising at least one movable yknife edge operable as each transfer wheel is moved bodily along the bottom of the mass of fibers in said hopper to slice fibers from the bottom of said mass of fibers and to load such fibers into the notches of the transfer wheel, vertical support means for fibers in said hopper which are not acted upon by said fiber loading means, and means operable to retain fibers in the notches of each transfer wheel during movement of the same from said loading zone to said unloading Zone.

4. In a brush making machine, the combination of an open-bottom hopper adapted to receive a mass of transversely disposed 1brush fibers, a fiber receiving device, a plurality of similar fiber transfer Wheels each rotatable about a transverse axis and each having an arcuately extending series of fiber receiving notches along a peripheral portion thereof, means for bodily moving said Wheels in succession from a loading zone adjacent the bottom of a mass of fibers in said hopper to an unloading Zone adjacent said receiving device, said means serving also to bodily move each transfer wheel in a generally longitudinal direction along the bottom of the mass of fibers in said hopper at the loading zone, means for rotating each transfer Wheel during longitudinal movement thereof at the loading zone so as to provide for substantially pure rolling movement of `the wheel along the bottom of the mass of fibers in the hopper, fiber loading means comprising a plurality of knife edges operatively associated respectively With said transfer Wheels, each of said knife edges being movable generally longitudinally with its corresponding transfer lWheel so as to slice fibers from the bottom of the mass of fibers in said hopper and to load such fibers into the notches of its transfer Wheel, vertical support means `for fibers in said hopper which are not acted upon by said fiber loading means, and means operable to retain fibers in the notches of each transfer wheel during movement of the same from said loading zone to said unloading Zone.

5. In a brush making machine, the combination of an open-bottom hopper adapted to receive a mass of transversely disposed brush fibers, a fiber receiving device, a plurality of similar fiber transfer Wheels each rotatable about a transverse axis and each having an arcuately extending series of fiber receiving notches along a peripheral portion thereof, means for bodily moving said Wheels in succession from a loading zone adjacent the bottom of a mass of fibers in said hopper to an unloading zone adjacent said receiving device, said means serving also to bodily move each transfer Wheel in a generally longitudinal direction along the bottom of the mass of fibers in said hopper at the loading zone, means for rotating each transfer Wheel during longitudinal movement thereof so as to provide `for substantially pure rolling movement of the wheel along the bottom of the mass of fibers in the hopper, fiber loading means comprising a plurality of knife edges operatively associated respectively with said transfer wheels, each of said knife edges being movable generally longitudinally with its corresponding transfer Wheel so as to slice fibers from the bottom of the mass of fibers in said hopper and yto load such fibers into the notches of its transfer wheel, vertical support means for fibers in said hopper which are not acted upon by said fiber loading means, means operable to retain fibers in the notches of each transfer wheel during movement of the same from said loading zone to said unloading Zone, and means for rotating each transfer wheel at said unloading Zone `whereby to discharge fibers from the notches of the wheel.

6. In a brush making machine, the combination of an open-bottom hopper adapted to receive a mass of transversely disposed brush fibers, a fiber receiving device, a plurality of similar peripherally notched fiber transfer wheels rotatable about individual transverse axes and revoluble about a common transverse axis, the path of revolution of said wheels having an upper portion which constitutes a loading zone and which extends generally longitudinally adjacent the bottom of a mass of fibers in said hopper and having another portion which constitutes an unloading zone and which extends adjacent said fiber receiving device, means for revolving said transfer wheels about said common axis in one direction, means `for rotating said transfer wheels about their individual axes in an opposite direction, means operable to load fibers from the bottom of said mass of bers into the peripheral notches of successive transfer wheels as the wheels are revolved through said loading zone, vertical support means for -bers in said hopper which are not acted upon Lby said loading means, and means operable to retain fibers in the notches of said transfer wheels as the wheels are revolved from said loading zone to said unloading zone.

7. The combination in a brush making machine as set forth in claim 6 wherein said fiber loading means comprises at least `one knife edge which is movable generally longitudinally along the bottom of the mass of fibers in the hopper to slice fibers therefrom and to deposit the same in the peripheral notches of successive transfer wheels as they are revolved through said loading zone.

8. In a brush making machine, the combination of an open-bottom hopper adapted to receive a mass of transversely disposed brush fibers, a fiber receiving device, a plurality of similar peripherally notched fiber transfer wheels rotatable about individual Atransverse axes and revoluble about a common transverse axis, the path of revolution of said wheels having an upper portion which constitutes a loading zone and which extends generally longitudinally adjacent the bottom of a mass of fibers in said hopper and having another portion which constitutes an unloading zone and which extends adjacent said fiber receiving device, means for revolving said transfer Wheels about their said common axis in one direction, means `for rotating said transfer wheels about their individual axes in an opposite direction, a plurality of knife edges operatively associated respectively with said transfer wheel-s and revoluble about said common axis with said transfer wheels, said knife edges serving as their corresponding transfer wheels pass through said loading zone to slice fibers from the bottom of the mass of fibers in said hopper and to deposit such fibers in the peripheral notches lof the wheels, vertical support means for fibers in said hopper which are not acted upon by said knife edges, and means operable to retain fibers in the notches of said transfer wheels as the wheels are revolved from said loading zone to said unloading zone.

9. ln a brush making machine, the combination of an open-bottom hopper adapted to receive a mass of transversely disposed brush fibers, a fiber receiving device, a

plurality of similar peripherally notched fiber transfer wheels rotatable about individual transverse axes and revoluble about a common transverse axis, the path of revolution of said wheels having an upper portion which constitutes a loading zone and which extends generally longitudinally adjacent the bottom of a mass of fibers in said hopper and having another portion which constitutes an unloading Zone and which extends adjacent said fiber receiving device, means for revolving said transfer Wheels about said common axis in one direction, means for rotating said transfer wheels about their individual axes in an opposite direction so as to provide for substantially pure rolling movement of the wheels along the bottom of the mass of fibers in the hopper, a substantially circular disc rotatable about said common axis in fixed relationship with the individual axes of said transfer wheels and with a peripheral surface thereof in supporting engagement with `the bottom of the mass of fibers in said hopper, said disc having a plurality of circumaxially spaced substantially circular openings therein for .respectively receiving and approximately tting said transfer wheels, and each of said openings having a mouth which opens radially outwardly through said peripheral surface of the disc and through which fibers may be loaded into and unloaded from the peripheral notches of 'the corresponding transfer Wheel, a plurality of knife edges disposed respectively at the trailing edge portions of said mouths of said disc openings and serving to slice bers from the bottom of said mass of fibers and to load such fibers through said mouths into the peripheral notches of the corresponding transfer wheels, and means for covering the mouths of said openings in said disc between said loading and unloading zones.

10. In a brush making machine, the combination of an open-bottom hopper adapted to receive a mass of transversely disposed brush fibers, a fiber receiving device, a plurality of similar peripherally notched fiber transfer wheels rotatable about individual transverse axes and revoluble about a common transverse axis, the path of revolution of said wheels having an upper portion which constitutes a loading zone and which extends generally longitudinally adjacent the bottom of a mass of fibers in said hopper and having another portion which constitutes an unloading Zone and which extends adjacent said fiber receiving device, means for revolving said transfer wheels about said common axis in one direction, means for rotating said transfer wheels about their individual axes in an opposite direction so as to provide for substantially pure rolling movement of the wheels along the bottom of the mass of fibers in the hopper, a substantially circular disc rotatable about said common axis in fixed relationship with the individual axes of said transfer wheels and with a peripheral surface thereof in supporting engagement with the bottom of the mass of fibers in said hopper, said disc having a plurality of circumaxially spaced substantially circular openings therein for respectively receiving and approximately fitting said transfer wheels, and each of said openings having a mouth which opens radially outwardly through said peripheral surface of the disc and through which fibers may be loaded into and unloaded from the peripheral notches of the corresponding transfer wheel, a plurality of knife edges disposed respectively adjacent the trailing edge portions of said mouths of said disc openings and serving to slice fibers from the bottom of said mass of fibers and to load such fibers through said mouths into the peripheral notches of the corresponding transfer wheels, and a stationary member with an arcuate stuface engaging or in closely spaced relationship with said peripheral surface of the disc so as to prevent fiber discharge through mouths of the openings therein `between said loading and unloading zones.

11. In la brush making machine, the combination of an open-bottom hopper adapted to receive a mass of transversely disposed brush fibers, a fiber receiving device, a

plurality of similar peripherally notched fiber transfer Wheels rotatable about individual transverse axes and rcvoluble about a common transverse axis, the path of revolution of said Wheels having an upper portion Which constitutes a loading zone and which extends generally longitudinally adjacent the bottom of a mass of fibers in said hopper `and having another portion which constitutes an unloading Zone and which extends adjacent said fiber receiving device, means for revolving said transfer Wheels about said common axis in one direction, means for rotating said transfer wheels about their individual axes in an opposite `direction so as to provide for substantially pure rolling movement of the Wheels along the bottom of the mass of fibers in the hopper, a substantially circular disc rotatable about said common axis in fixed relationsh-ip with the individual axes of said transfer Wheels 'and having a peripheral surface which engages and supports the mass of fibers in said hopper and which is spaced radially from said common axis a distance substantially equal to the radial distance between said axis and the outermost peripheral portions of said transfer Wheels, said disc having a plurality of circumaxially spaced substantially circular openings adjacent its said peripheral surface for respectively receiving and approximately fitting said transfer Wheels, and each of said openings having a mouth yvvhich opens radially outwardly through said peripheral surface and through which fibers may be loaded into and unloaded from the peripheral notches of the corresponding transfer wheel, a plurality of knife edges disposed respectively at the trailing edge portions of said mouths of said disc openings and serving to slice fibers from the bottom of said mass of fibers and to load such fibers through said mouths into the peripheral notches of the corresponding transfer wheels, and a stationary member with an arcuate surface engaging or in closely spaced relationship with said peripheral surface of the disc so as to cover the mouths of the openings therein between s'aid loading and unloading zones.

12. In a brush making machine, the combination of an open-bottom hopper adapted to receive :a mass of transversely disposed brush fibers, a fiber receiving device comprising a longitudinally movable conveyor spaced below said hopper, a plurality of similar fiber transfer Wheels each rotatable about a transverse axis and each having an arcuately extending series of fiber receiving notches along a peripheral portion thereof, means for bodily moving said wheels in succession from a loading zone adjacent the bottom of a mass of fibers in said hopper to an unloading zone above said conveyor, means for rotating each transfer wheel at said loading zone, means operable at said loading zone to load the notches of each transfer Wheel with fibers from the bottom of .said mass of fibers, vertical support means for fibers in said hopper which are not acted upon by said loading means, means operable to retain fibers in the notches of said transfer wheels during movement of the Wheels from said loading zone to said unloading zone, and means for rotating each transfer Wheel at said unloading zone whereby to cause the Wheel to deposit its fibers on said conveyor in a longitudinally extending layer.

13. In a brush making machine, the combination of an open-bottom hopper adapted to receive a mass of transversely disposed brush fibers, a fiber receiving device comprising a conveyor movable longitudinally substantially below said hopper at a predetermined speed, a plurality of similar fiber transfer wheels each rotatable about a transverse axis and each having `an arcuately extending series of fiber receiving notches along a peripheral portion thereof, means for bodily moving said Wheels in succession from a loading zone adjacent the bottom of a mass of fibers in said hopper to ian unloading zone above said conveyor, said means serving also to bodily move each transfer wheel in a generally longitudinal direction along the bottom of the mass of fibers at the loading zone and in a generally longitudinal direction above said conveyor at the unloading zone, means for rotating each transfer Wheel at the loading Zone so as to provide for substantially pure rolling movement of the Wheel along the bottom of the mass of fibers in said hopper, fiber loading means comprising la plurality of knife edges operatively associated respectively with said transfer Wheels, each of said knife edges being movable generally longitudinally with its corresponding transfer Wheel so as to slice fibers from the bottom of the mass of fibers in said hopper and to direct such fibers into the notches of the transfer Wheel, vertical support means for fibers in said hopper which are not acted upon by said fiber loading means, means operable to retain fibers in the notches of said transfer wheels during movement of the same from said loading zone to said unloading zone, and means for rotating each transfer wheel at the unloading zone Whereby to cause the transfer Wheel to deposit fibers on said conveyor in a longitudinally extending layer, the last said means being timed so that each transfer Wheel has a substantially pure rolling movement with respect to the conveyor in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the conveyor. r

14. In ya brush making machine, the combination of an open-bottom hopper adapted to receive a mass of transversely disposed brush fibers, a fiber receiving device comprising a longitudinally movable conveyor substantially below said hopper, a plurality of similar peripherally notched fiber transfer Wheels rotatable about individual transversely extending axes and revoluble about a cornmon transversely extending axis, the path of revolution of said Wheels having an upper portion which constitutes a loading zone and which extends generally longitudinally adjacent the bottom of a mass of fibers in said hopper and also having a lower portion Which constitutes an unloading zone and which extends generally longitudinally above said conveyor, means for revolving said transfer Wheels about said common axis in one direction, means for rotating said transfer Wheels about their individual axes in an opposite direction at said loading Zone, means operable `at said loading zone to load the peripheral notches of successive transfer Wheels with fibers from the bottom of said mass of fibers in the hopper, vertical support means for fibers in said hopper which are not acted upon by said loading means, means operable to retain fibers in the notches of said transfer wheels during movement of the wheels from said loading zone to said unloading zone, and means for rotating each transfer Wheel at said unloading zone whereby to cause the Wheel to deposit fibers on said conveyor in a longitudinally extending layer.

15. In a brush making machine, the combination of an open-bottom hopper adapted to receive a mass of transversely disposed brush fibers, a fiber receiving device comprising a conveyor movable longitudinally substantially below said hopper at a predetermined speed, a plurality of similar peripherally notched fiber transfer Wheels rotatable about individual transverse axes and revoluble about a common transverse axis, the path of revolution of `said Wheels having an upper portion which constitutes a loading Zone and which extends generally longitudinally adjacent the bottom of a mass of fibers in said hopper and also having a lower portion which constitutes an unloading zone and which extends generally longitudinally above said conveyor, means for revolving said transfer Wheels about said common axis in one direction, means for rotating said transfer Wheels about their individual axes at said loading Zone so as to provide for substantially pure rolling -movement of the Wheels along the bottom of the mass of fibers in said hopper, knife edge means operable at said loading zone to load the peripheral notches of successive transfer Wheels with fibers from the bottom of said mass of fibers, vertical support means for fibers in said hopper which are not acted upon by said loading means, means operable to retain fibers in the notches of said transfer Wheels during movement of the wheels for said loading zone to said unloading zone, and means for rotating said transfer wheels at said unloading zone whereby to cause the wheels to deposit fibers on said conveyor in longitudinally extending layers, the last said means being so timed that said transfer wheels have a substantially pure rolling movement with respect to the conveyor in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the conveyor.

16. lin a brush making machine, the combination of an open-bottom hopper adapted to receive a mass of transversely disposed brush fibers, a fiber receiving device comprising a conveyor movable longitudinally substantially below said hopper at a predetermined speed, a plurality of similar peripherally notched fiber transfer wheels rotatable about individual transverse axes and revoluble about a common transverse axis, the path of revolution of said wheels having an upper portion which constitutes a loading zone and which extends generally longitudinally adjacent the bottom of a mass of fibers in said hopper and also having a lower portion which constitutes an unloading zone and which extends generally longitudinally above said conveyor, means for revolving said transfer wheels about said common axis in one direction, means for rotating said transfer wheels at the loading Zone so as to provide for substantially pure rolling movement of the wheels along the bottom of the mass of fibers in said hopper, a plurality of knife edges operatively associated respectively with `said transfer wheels and revoluble about said common axis with said wheels, said knife edges serving as their corresponding transfer wheels pass through said loading zone to slice fibers from the bottom of the mass of fibers in said hopper and to deposit such bers i-n the peripheral notches of the wheels, vertical support means for fibers in said hopper which are not acted upon by said knife edges, means operable to retain bers in the notches of said transfer wheels during movement of the wheels from said loading Zone to said unloading zone, and means for rotating said transfer wheels at the unloading zone whereby to cause the wheels to deposit bers on said conveyor in a longitudinally extending layer, the last said means being so timed that said transfer wheels have a substantially pure rolling movement with respect to the conveyor in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the conveyor.

17. In a brush making machine, the combination of an open-bottom hopper adapted to receive a mass of transversely disposed brush fibers, a `fiber receiving device comprising a conveyor movable longiudinally substantially below said hopper at a predetermined speed, a plurality of similar peripherally notched fiber transfer wheels rotatable about individual transverse axes and revoluble about a common transverse axis, the path of revolution of said wheels having an upper portion which constitutes a loading zone and which extends generally longitudinally adjacent the bottom of a mass of fibers in said hopper and aiso having a lower portion which constitutes an unloading zone and which extends generally longitudinally above said conveyor, means for revolving said transfer wheels about said common axis in one direction, means for rotating said transfer wheels about their individual axes in an opposite direction so as to provide for substantially pure rolling movement of the wheels along the bottom of said mass of fibers, a substantially circular disc rotatable about said common axis in fixed relationship with the individual axes of said transfer Wheels and having a peripheral surface which engages and supports the mass of fibers in said hopper and which is spaced radially from said common axis a distance substantially equal to the radial distance between said axis and the outermost peripheral portions of said transfer wheels, said disc having a plurality of substantially circular openings adjacent its said peripheral surface for respectively receiving yand approximately fitting said transfer wheels, and each of said openings having a mouth which opens radially outwardly through said peripheral surface and through which fibers may be loaded into and unloaded from the peripheral notches of the corresponding transfer wheel, a plurality of knife edges disposed respectively at the trailing edge portions of said mouths of said disc openings and serving to slice bers from the bottom of said mass of fibers and to load such fibers through said mouths into the peripheral notches of the corresponding transfer wheels, a stationary member with an arcuate surface engaging or in closely spaced relationship with said peripheral surface of the disc so as to prevent fiber discharge from the mouths of the openings therein between said loading and unloading zones, and means for rotating said transfer wheels at the unloading zone whereby to cause the Wheels to deposit fibers on said conveyor in a longitudinally extending layer, the last said means being so timed that said transfer wheels have a substantially pure rolling movement with respect to the conveyor in a direction opposite to Ithe direction of movement of the conveyor.

18. The combination in a brush making machine as set forth in claim 17 wherein there is provided a means for generating an air stream to urge fibers downwardly from the notches of a transfer wheel at said unloading zone and onto said conveyor.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,504,575 Nielsen Aug. 12, 1924 1,871,775 Cave Aug. 16, 1932 1,888,352 Lipps Nov. 22, 1932 2,542,687 Le Febvre Feb. 20, 1951 2,616,763 Vose et al. Nov. 4, 1952 2,903,299 Marks Sept. 8, 1959 

